Proton Mail is end-to-end encrypted, so mail apps can't reach it directly. Proton Mail Bridge, an app from Proton, runs on your Mac and offers IMAP and SMTP to your mail app on your own computer.
Proton Mail IMAP and SMTP settings
| Setting | Proton Mail |
|---|---|
| IMAP (incoming) server | 127.0.0.1 |
| IMAP (incoming) port | 1143 |
| IMAP (incoming) encryption | STARTTLS |
| SMTP (outgoing) server | 127.0.0.1 |
| SMTP (outgoing) port | 1025 |
| SMTP (outgoing) encryption | STARTTLS |
| Username | The username shown in Bridge's Mailbox details |
| Password | The password Bridge generates (shown in Mailbox details), not your Proton password |
| Authentication | Normal password |
Set up Proton Mail Bridge
Bridge needs a paid Proton Mail plan.
- Install Bridge. Download Proton Mail Bridge from Proton and sign in to your Proton account.
- Open Mailbox details. Bridge shows the server, ports, username and a generated password for your mail app.
- Use those values. Copy them into your mail app. Keep Bridge running while you use mail.
Use Proton in GotEmail
In GotEmail, choose Add Account, then Other (IMAP), and type the settings from the table: the IMAP and SMTP servers, their ports and encryption, your username and password. GotEmail checks them as you sign in and tells you what to fix if a server says no.
Good to know
- Bridge listens only on your own computer (127.0.0.1); other devices can't reach it.
- If another app already uses port 1143 or 1025, Bridge lets you change it, and its connection mode can switch between STARTTLS and SSL. Use whatever Bridge's Mailbox details show.
- Your Mac may warn about Bridge's certificate; Proton says this is expected for a local connection.
Checked against Proton's own help pages: Comprehensive guide to Bridge settings, IMAP or SMTP port error in Bridge, Bridge setup with a mail client.
Questions
What is the IMAP server for Proton Mail?
Proton Mail's IMAP server is 127.0.0.1, port 1143, with STARTTLS encryption.
What is the SMTP server for Proton Mail?
Proton Mail's SMTP server is 127.0.0.1, port 1025 with STARTTLS.
Can I use Proton Mail without Bridge?
Not over IMAP. Proton's servers don't offer IMAP directly; Bridge provides it on your computer.
Is Bridge free?
No. Proton requires a paid Proton Mail plan to use Bridge.